New Hertfordshire county council leader appointed
Steve Jarvis has been elected as Leader of Hertfordshire County Council and has announced plans to improve roads and support children with special needs
A new Leader of Hertfordshire County Council has been appointed. Councillor Steve Jarvis was elected to the role at the council’s Annual General Meeting on Monday, 20 May.
He has also announced the council’s first two priority actions as part of a 100-day plan. These include a new trial to fix more potholes in a single visit, and a summit on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Councillor Jarvis said: “On day one I am announcing our first two priority actions. To fix our roads we will trial a new approach to mend more potholes in a single visit rather than coming back another day. To support those who most need our help we will bring young people, parents, schools and teachers together for a SEND Summit to inform our plans to make the further improvements needed.”
He added: “This is the start of a new era for this council and our county. With my Cabinet colleagues and council officers, I will ensure that we are on our residents’ side and focussing on the issues that really matter.
“We have much to do. From improving our roads and environment to doing better for children with special educational needs whilst achieving best value for money, I am determined to make Hertfordshire a better place today and fit for the future.”
Councillor Jarvis, who has represented Royston West and Rural since 2017, has previously served as opposition group leader and as a member of the council’s cabinet panels on resources, performance, and children’s services. He is also a district councillor on North Herts Council.
A new Cabinet has been appointed, with the following roles:
Sally Symington – Adult Care Services
Anthony Rowlands – Children’s Social Care
Mark Watkin – Education, SEND and Inclusion
Paul Zukowskyj – Environment, Transport and Growth
Stephen Giles-Medhurst – Highways
Ajanta Hilton – Public Health and Community Safety
Chris Lucas – Resources and Performance
Adrian England – Sustainability